Went to Disneyland Paris just before Christmas and our flight back was delayed by 13 hours as a plane had come off the runway at Bristol airport. Sent all the details to axa to claim off my travel insurance and their response is:

We have considered the supporting details you have provided in accordance with the Policy Terms and Conditions, and would like to draw your attention to Page 30, which states the following:

"What is coveredIf the public transport on which you are booked to travel:1. is delayed at the final departure point from or to the United Kingdom and in addition for residents of Northern Ireland any departure point in the Republic of Ireland (but not including delays to any subsequent outbound or return connecting public transport) for at least 12 hours from the scheduled time of departure, or2. is cancelled before or after the scheduled time of departure as a result of any of the following events:a) strike or industrial action orb) adverse weather conditions orc) mechanical breakdown of or a technical fault occurring in the public transport on which you are booked to travelwe will pay you:1. £35 for the first completed 12 hours delay and £20 for each full 12 hours delay after that, up to a maximum of £350(which is meant to help you pay for telephone calls made and meals and refreshments purchased during the delay)provided you eventually travel"

From the information you have provided, it appears the delay you experienced falls outside of the Policy Terms and Conditions as this is considered as an operational issue. In view of this, we are not in a position to recommend settlement of the fixed benefit. We are also unable to consider your claim for additional expenses, as your Policy provides no cover for this.

It doesn’t state anywhere in the policy that operational issues aren’t covered, and I can’t see why a 13 hour delay isn’t covered by point 1 above.

Unless you've spent loads of money stupidly, the airline have to cover you. Don't waste money on your excess when there's no point. They'll drag their heels but look up EU261 and remind them of their obligations.

Eddie b works in insurance, but as he spends half of his life searching trivial stories in the DM and the other half googling/ogling and drooling over Kelly Brook's bangers I'm not sure he will be able to assist you

There’s four of us so think it’s 35 a head, but yes you’re right. Originally I took it out due to possibly needing to cancel due to sickness, though now I’m convinced they’d have tried to cheat out if that too

I have a claim in with easyjet but they’ve done nothing fur a month so far

Thanks for confirming that I’m not being thick fur once - point 1 clearly covers it

I don't blame you for chasing what is owed but this is exacylt why I hardly ever bother with travel insurance because it is a FUCKING RIPOFF SCAM perpepuated by FRAUDSTER SHYLOCKS who are happy to fleece you but slow to COUGH UP.

If that's all there is in the T&Cs, you definitely should contest it. WTF is travel insurance for if not to cover this sort of thing? Anyway, check the policy wording again carefully and see if operational issues are specifically excluded. (If they are, that insurance policy is crap.)